Week 2

Chapter  2 of 7 Years Younger focuses on giving yourself a makeover with makeup to achieve a more youthful appearance.

Here is an overview of what the chapter covers along with some of the product first place winners in a few categories (if you are interested in a more extensive list I encourage you to click the link I have below):

Foundation:  if you have not updated your foundation color for a while consider doing so.  If you don’t like foundation at least consider a tinted moisturizer with anti-aging benefits for your skin.  As we age skin becomes paler and it is suggested that you purchase a warmer foundation. (If you are afraid to do that you can mix a shade darker than you normally use with your current shade).  Also, choose foundation with a “brightening” formula.  Their “gold winner” in this category is

Concealor “gold winner”

Use a lid primer, it increases eye shadow staying power, smooths the lid and covers imperfections

Groom your brows.  Brows are super important.   When doing makeup on clients, I always reach for an angled brush and some powder to fill in brows.  Filling in your brows (just about everyone needs to) can make a huge difference in your appearance, it instantly enhances your eyes.  Also, if your brows are light or have  some gray — get them tinted.  It usually runs around $10 – $15 it is worth doing and in some instances can replace having to fill them in for a bit.

Lancome

Eyes:  choose light shadow colors on your eyes, as it can be more youthful.  Soft taupes, grays and jewel tones are best, avoid brown.  Use an eye brightener — my favorite is the YSL Touche Eclat, if the price point doesn’t work for you Benefit makes an eye bright stick for a pop of brightness in the corner of your eye that works great too. Also use a lenghthening mascara

Mac

Curl your eyelashes with an eyelash curler it opens the eye right up — It seems to me, whenever I ask people if they use an eyelash curler they always say they have one somewhere — use it!

Search for lipsticks that are sheer, be sure your lips are lined with a liner the same color as your lips — darker colors can leave an outline when lipstick wears off.

Dior

Lastly, there is nothing more youthful than a bright smile.  The book reminds you of the importance of flossing once daily  and suggests whitening your teeth (aside from having teeth whitened professionally, Crest 3D white strips and Aqua Fresh trays ranked).  Don’t forget your twice yearly dental checkup.

There is a compliment website to the book which has an extensive list of  their product gold and silver winners that is too big to cover.  If you would like to view the complete list of products click here.

That is it for this week!

As far as my personal progress is going — One of my biggest challenges, which I thought would be the easiest, is that I can’t seem to get the green tea in.  I’m going to try harder this week but I find it hard being a coffee drinker to also add a few cups of tea.  I picked up some decaf green tea so that I can try to have it in the evening.

I have not been perfect by any means but have absolutely increased my water consumption and vitamin C each day.  Trying real hard with the colorful veggies but it is not easy — some days I get them in some I don’t : \

My skin care routine has been going well, I started using my Clarisonic again (it was in retirement for a bit because I needed a replacement brush)  I purchased two when I went to the store — so no excuses next time.  I forgot how great it makes your skin feel!

Have a great day!!